Our Story
How a passion for empowering young people became a movement across Central Florida.
Unlocking Untapped Potential
We believe every young adult has potential. Sometimes they just need the right environment, guidance, and community to discover it.
Young Founders Society equips the next generation with real-world skills, confidence, and resilience so they can turn ideas into action and create their own opportunities.
This isn’t theory, textbook learning, or another “busy program.” We are practical application, collaboration with like-minded peers, and guidance from mentors who are real business owners — not just teachers.
Based at Plant Street Academy in Winter Garden and The View in Clermont, we serve the greater Central Florida community with in-person programs, workshops, and summer camps.
Meet Lenka Brady
Educator, entrepreneur, and youth mentor with 25+ years of experience in professional training and leadership development.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education
- Adult Education Certificate, New York University
- Former training leader at JetBlue University (College of Inflight)
- Mentor, Take Stock in Children & Lake-Sumter State College
- DECA Judge & Organizer, 1 Million Cups Clermont
- Founder, Start a Business LLC & Young Founders Society
- Multi-year Best of South Lake award recipient (2024, 2025)
“The young founder journey becomes faster, stronger, and less lonely when surrounded by people who are building, failing, pivoting, and winning right beside you.”
Meet the Leadership
Our coaches are mentors, entrepreneurs, and educators who don’t just talk about skills — they live them.
Jacquie Peterson
Marketing strategist and community leader. Co-Owner of Splash Social Marketing, Co-Founder of The FoundHER women’s business community, and Ambassador for the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Monica Mattia
Air Force Veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader. BS in Child & Family Development. Former Senior Trainer & Evaluator for the USAF ICBM Program. Owner of Digital Universe Marketing. Mentor with Take Stock in Children. Verified background checks.
Alanis Michelle
Digital Marketing student and founder of AM Social Media Marketing. Youth leader at her church, creating lesson plans and guiding small groups. Plans to pursue a career merging business with advocacy.
As Seen In
Our Community Partners
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do as a community.
Community First
We believe in the power of growing together. Our members, mentors, and families form a tight-knit network that supports each other far beyond any single program.
Real-World Learning
Textbooks have their place, but we focus on learning by doing. Our members pitch real ideas, solve real problems, and build real projects from day one.
Inclusive Access
Entrepreneurship is for everyone. We are committed to making our programs accessible to young people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
Giving Back
We teach our members that true success includes lifting others up. Community service, mentorship, and paying it forward are woven into everything we do.
Milestones
Key moments in the growth of Young Founders Society.
The Idea Takes Shape
Lenka Brady identifies the gap in youth entrepreneurship education and begins building the concept for a community-driven program in South Lake County.
Young Founders Society Launches
The first cohort of young founders meets in Clermont. Founder Lab launches with a small group of teens and mentors committed to learning together.
Plant Street Academy Partnership
YFS expands to Winter Garden with a daily presence at Plant Street Academy, bringing entrepreneurship programming to more families.
Junior Camp & Growing Community
Summer 2026 brings the first Junior Camp for ages 9-14, and the community surpasses 150 members across all programs.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Whether you're a young founder, a parent, or a community leader, there's a place for you here. Let's build the future together.
Get Involved